Dredge, a single-player fishing adventure game with a distinct eerie undercurrent, has become one of the latest entrants in the gaming industry to create a buzz. Developed by Team 17, the game revolves around fishing and exploration, and lures players with a cryptic narrative. This review aims to dissect the various aspects of the game, taking into account about eight hours of gameplay experience.
Delving Into Dredge
Dredge transports players into the shoes of a fisherman who arrives at a new location, knowing nothing about the local customs, people, or the undercurrent of sinister events. The protagonist starts with a small boat and a basic fishing rod that allows fishing in specific water types, including shallow, volcanic, and marshlands, among others.
As you progress through the game, you’re presented with opportunities to upgrade your fishing equipment, allowing you to fish in all types of waters. Players can acquire drag nets to collect different types of fish trailing behind their boat, though these nets are specifically designed for particular fish types. The game also enables the dredging of the ocean floor and shipwrecks to gather materials for boat upgrades and fulfill quest requirements.
Quests and Narrative
Dredge’s story unfolds gradually, delivered in bite-sized pieces. As players explore the map, take on quests, and interact with new characters, the narrative slowly unravels. The characters, as strange as they may be, are well presented within the game, leading to a heightened curiosity about the game’s overarching plot.
The way Dredge combines gameplay with storytelling creates an engaging experience. You’ll often find yourself working for peculiar characters, performing tasks that become increasingly strange as the narrative develops. This results in a fascinating and immersive storyline that holds your attention.
Engaging Gameplay and Fishing Mechanisms
Fishing, being the main part of the game, is developed intricately. Players must look out for disturbances on the water surface, indicating potential fishing or dredging spots. To successfully fish or dredge, players must participate in a mini-game that becomes more challenging based on the value of the catch. These mini-games offer a thrilling layer to the gameplay, generating excitement as you reel in catches or debris.
The debris dredged from the ocean floor, such as planks, linen, metal, and research pieces, contributes towards upgrading your ship at various ports. The game features ports where players can repair their ship, sell their catch, rebuild their ship with expansion parts, and even sleep – an essential aspect of the game to prevent insanity.
Research and Upgrades
The research pieces you collect provide opportunities for various upgrades, including engine improvements, fishing rod and net enhancements, light additions, and space expansions on your ship. This constant need to upgrade and improve adds a layer of complexity to the gameplay, further enriching the player’s experience.
Thrills and Chills of the Open Ocean
Dredge introduces players to the chilling thrill of the open ocean. As the day turns into night, the seas become treacherous. Monstrous creatures emerge from the depths, leading to hallucinations and testing your sanity. To counter this, players can equip their ship with lights to ward off the impending insanity. However, the more powerful the lights, the more likely players are to attract monstrous sea creatures, turning the gameplay into a balancing act of exploration and survival.
Exploration and the Game World
The game world in Dredge is sizable and varied, with unique locales and intriguing characters providing quests. Players might encounter shipwreck survivors needing rescue, family feuds requiring resolution, and rare sea monsters waiting to be discovered. The sense of exploration and danger that pervades the game world adds depth to the gameplay, making Dredge a stand-out title.
Final Thoughts
Dredge offers a soothing gaming experience, despite its sinister undertones. The gameplay loop, involving fishing, exploration, and upgrading, makes the game highly engaging. Its mini-games, though simple, can become frantic and entertaining under pressure, especially during those chilling night-time fishing expeditions. The narrative and atmosphere work together to create a unique and captivating game that is as relaxing as it is tense.
The final verdict is that Dredge is an excellent game that definitely deserves an 8 out of 10. It provides a breath of fresh air amidst the stress-inducing titles crowding the gaming landscape. With its charming graphics, immersive gameplay, and intriguing storyline, Dredge is an investment worth every penny. This game promises a fishing adventure that you won’t soon forget. So why wait? Dive into the world of Dredge and discover what lurks beneath the waves.
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